What's happened
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in the US to meet with President Biden and Vice President Harris, advocating for continued support against Russian aggression. He warns against half-hearted peace proposals and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive peace formula that includes the withdrawal of Russian forces.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Andrew Feinberg from The Independent, Zelenskyy warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is attempting to 'break the Ukrainian spirit' by targeting energy infrastructure. He cautioned against accepting peace deals that do not involve Ukraine, stating, 'Any parallel or alternative attempts to seek peace are, in fact, efforts to achieve an out instead of an end to the war.'
In contrast, Al Jazeera reported on Zelenskyy's call for a 'victory plan' during his UN address, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to peace that includes the expulsion of Russian forces. He criticized the proposals from China and Brazil as 'half-hearted settlement plans' that prioritize their interests over Ukraine's.
Axios highlighted Zelenskyy's assertion that the UN's effectiveness is compromised by Russia's veto power, stating, 'When the aggressor exercises veto power, the UN is powerless to stop the war.' This reflects the broader frustration among Ukrainian leadership regarding international diplomatic efforts that do not align with their goals.
How we got here
Zelenskyy's visit follows increasing pressure for a ceasefire amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. His peace formula, presented two years ago, demands the expulsion of Russian forces and accountability for war crimes.
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